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Kerala FIR cites Rs 5 crore deposit in Messi probe
The Hindu··16 Sept
Kalamassery police on September 15, 2026 registered an FIR over alleged financial misappropriation linked to a failed Messi-Argentina Kochi bid. Anto Augustine of Reporter Broadcasting Company and the firm face cheating and conspiracy charges. Police searched five locations on September 16, including the company office in Kalamassery. Augustine said he had not received an FIR copy.
Prism
What It Means For You
- The FIR puts named company officers under a criminal probe tied to the cancelled Kochi friendly.
- Court-backed searches can include offices and homes linked to the accused while investigators collect documents.
- Readers following Reporter TV coverage should separate the newsroom protest claims from the financial case facts.
What's Happening
- ADGP P. Vijayan said a preliminary inquiry found prima facie grounds before the FIR was registered.
- The FIR alleges fake details were inserted into an Argentina Football Association agreement before December 20, 2024.
- It also cites an alleged bid to secure Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium access without a Rs 5 crore security deposit.
Who Is Contesting What
- Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan condemned the newsroom search as an assault aimed at silencing media.
- Police said the search followed a court-issued warrant after notices were refused.
- Augustine alleged the SIT focused more on news sources than on the Messi deal questions.
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